Getting a short haircut with layers is a super easy way to transform a plain, boring style into something eye-catching and fresh. Layers add tons of movement and make your hair look lively, giving you lots of styling options. Picture cool, messy shags, striking pixie cuts, or textured lobs (long bobs). If you’re thinking about switching up your look, we talked to top celebrity stylists to get their best ideas for short, layered hairstyles.
1. Classic Pixie
The pixie cut is a classic, super-short hairstyle that’s all about bold vibes. It has textured layers, shorter sides that taper in, and a bit more length on top for some flair. “This look is perfect for women who rock confidence and a touch of class,” says Alexis Flagler, a hairstylist and educator. “How much upkeep it needs depends on your hair. If you’ve got colored or really textured hair, it might take a bit more effort to keep it looking sharp.”
2. Textured Blunt Cut Bob
A textured blunt bob is a stylish haircut that mixes sharp, straight-across ends with just a touch of layered texture to add some bounce and volume. “It’s perfect for softening strong jawlines or highlighting cheekbones,” says Joey Scandizzo, a celebrity stylist and co-creative director of Eleven Australia. “This cut is super popular with my clients because it’s so versatile—it looks great on just about everyone!”
3. The Beachy Lob
The beachy lob is a relaxed, short hairstyle that looks like you just strolled off the shore with that effortless, salty-hair vibe. Celebrity hairstylist Vivienne Somers says this layered cut is awesome for adding volume, especially if you have thin to medium hair. It’s a breeze to style if your hair already has a natural wave. “Just pop on some styling foam to make it look thicker and more defined,” she suggests. “For fine hair, you can get tons of volume by using the right product and a quick blast from your hairdryer. This look is so easy—often just a shake, scrunch, and you’re good to go!”
4. Heavy Layers with Wispy Bangs
This short, layered hairstyle pairs bold, chunky layers with soft, wispy bangs for a stunning, full look. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting more volume, especially if you don’t have a lot of hair,” says Katelyn Ellsworth, a hairstylist and founder of The Roslyn. “The layers trick the eye into seeing more thickness, and it’s such a fun style.” She recommends blow-drying your bangs daily to keep the look polished and on point.
5. Slicked Back Blunt Cut with Flippy Ends
This hairstyle is a total winner—it’s classy, bold, fun, has a cool retro vibe, and looks amazing by highlighting your cheekbones and facial features. “It’s a super stylish, fashion-forward choice, perfect for people with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair. But honestly, anyone daring enough with the right tools can rock it,” says celebrity stylist Joey Scandizzo.
To get that sleek, wet-look style, start with damp hair. Smooth it back away from your face and apply a medium-hold styling product. Blow-dry your hair while brushing it flat with a flat brush. For those cute, flippy ends, switch to a round brush while drying.
6. The Short Shag
The shag haircut has been a super popular style for the past five years, and it’s not going anywhere! It’s all about that laid-back, effortlessly cool vibe, perfect for anyone wanting to add texture, volume, and a bit of boldness to their look. “The short shag looks amazing with a well-done cut and tons of layers, especially if you have thicker hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Vivienne Somers. “Throw in some highlights, and it gives your hair even more depth and dimension.”
7. Layered French Bob
The French bob is having a major moment, and it’s easy to see why! This haircut is stylish, super chic, and still leaves you enough hair to play with. “It’s perfect for anyone who wants a simple, low-maintenance look,” says hairstylist Katelyn Ellsworth, founder of The Roslyn. She recommends getting regular trims to keep it looking sharp and says that shorter bobs are easier to style, while longer ones can be a bit more work.
8. Old Money Bob
Taking a cue from classic stars like Marilyn Monroe, the old money bob is a gorgeous short, layered haircut for anyone craving volume and a touch of glamour. “It’s a chin-length style with just enough layers to add fullness and frame your face, plus soft curls for that elegant vibe,” says hairstylist Alexis Flagler.
9. Lob with Deep Side Part
Guess what? The side part is back in style, and it’s a fantastic way to give a textured lob some extra flair. “This look works for almost everyone, but it’s especially stunning on people with oval, heart, or square faces,” says celebrity stylist Joey Scandizzo. “It’s great because it balances your features, makes your neck look longer, and the side part adds a cool, uneven touch. Plus, you can style it however you want—smooth and sleek, wavy, or with curls!”
10. Baby-Soft Layers with Wispy Bangs
Baby soft layers are a gentle, gradual way to add layers that look great on any hair length, from super-short pixie cuts to longer lobs. “This style is perfect for framing your face with light, wispy bangs without feeling too heavy,” says hairstylist Katelyn Ellsworth. “These soft layers give your hair nice movement. I suggest blow-drying to style it and getting regular trims to keep it looking fresh.”
